Final answer:
Athens continued to be the leading city-state throughout most of the Classical Age, marked by the leadership of Pericles and known as the Golden Age of Athens. This era of cultural and political dominance followed the defeat of the Persians and included significant developments in democracy, philosophy, and the arts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Athens was the preeminent city-state throughout most of the Classical Age. This period, lasting from around 500 BCE to just before the rise of Macedon in the mid-fourth century BCE, saw Athens emerge as a cultural, political, and economic powerhouse following its victory against the Persian invasion in 480-479 BCE. The leadership of Pericles, particularly in the 5th century BCE, marked the zenith of Athenian power and influence, commonly referred to as the Golden Age of Athens or The Age of Pericles.
During this era, Athens was central in advancing drama, philosophy, art, and architecture - a time when the Acropolis and the Parthenon were constructed. Prominent historical figures such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle were active during this period, contributing significantly to what is considered one of the pinnacles of ancient Greek civilization. Much of Athens' success was built on the foundations of its democratic system, established earlier in the late 6th century BCE by the reformer Cleisthenes.